Rain Forecast Looms Over Commanders-Giants Game
The National Weather Service forecasts a high chance of rain at MetLife Stadium before Thursday night's kickoff.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Forecasts
The Washington Commanders visit the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on Thursday, November 12, 2026. The National Weather Service's latest hourly forecast, updated Wednesday at 1:27 p.m. EST, shows a 74% chance of rain at 8 p.m. in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Why it matters
Fans heading to the 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff should plan for wet and cold conditions, as rain chances stay high through the evening. Forecasts for a game this close to kickoff can still shift in timing and intensity.
The National Weather Service hourly forecast shows a 74% chance of rain and 51 degrees at 8 p.m., with northeast winds around 10 mph and gusts to 20 mph. Rain chance measures likelihood, not rainfall intensity, and the timing could still shift before the 8:15 p.m. kickoff.
The players
National Weather Service
The federal agency under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that issues official weather forecasts and warnings across the United States.
New York Giants
A professional American football franchise based at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, that competes in the National Football League.
Washington Commanders
A professional American football franchise based in the Washington, D.C., area that competes in the National Football League.
The details
Forecasts show rain chances of 99% at 3 p.m., 71% at 6 p.m., and 74% at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. Temperatures are forecast to drop from 54 degrees at 6 p.m. to 47 degrees by 11 p.m., with a wind chill near 42.
Timeline
Wednesday, November 11, 2026, 1:27 p.m. EST: latest forecast update issued.
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 3:15 p.m.: MetLife Stadium parking lots open.
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 6:15 p.m.: MetLife Stadium gates open.
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 8:15 p.m. ET: Commanders-Giants kickoff.
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 11 p.m.: forecast temperature drops to 47 degrees.
Seasonal Patterns
Mid-November National Football League games in the Northeast routinely face cold, wet conditions that the National Weather Service hourly precipitation-probability product is designed to flag days ahead. This forecast fits that pattern as the season moves toward winter.
Fans attending the game should prepare for rain and temperatures falling into the 40s by 11 p.m. Bringing rain gear, warm layers, and checking the forecast again on game day will help manage the wet and cold conditions.
The takeaway
Checking the hourly forecast on game day gives a clearer picture than a single rain percentage, since timing and intensity can shift. Planning for both rain and falling temperatures is the most practical approach for an evening outdoor event.
What happens next
The National Weather Service will issue updated hourly forecasts before the Thursday, November 12 kickoff at 8:15 p.m. ET.
Further reading
Track the latest forecasts for other storms and conditions affecting U.S. events this week.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated.
